In a notable development, SAG-AFTRA has signed a deal with Lightspeed L.A. to produce content under an Interim Interactive Media Agreement, allowing actors to work on specific projects during the strike.

The new agreement covers both current and future games from Lightspeed L.A., including their anticipated title 'Last Sentinel.'

Negotiations for a new contract have been ongoing since October 2022, with AI protections being the primary unresolved issue.

Despite SAG-AFTRA's claims regarding the need for reasonable AI protections, a spokesperson for video game companies stated that they have proposed terms to safeguard performers' rights.

SAG-AFTRA has faced challenges in securing comprehensive protections for all performers, especially motion capture actors, against potential loopholes regarding likeness rights.

The union is demanding that producers obtain consent from performers before using AI to replicate their voices, movements, or likenesses.

Concerns have been raised about the ease of replicating voice and movement in video games, which increases the risk of AI replacement for performers.

While over 50 video game companies have reached agreements with SAG-AFTRA, negotiations with major studios like Activision and Disney remain stalled.

The ongoing strike reflects a significant divide within the industry, as many companies are willing to accept the union's terms while others continue to resist.

Since late July 2023, SAG-AFTRA members have been on strike, primarily focusing on securing better protections against the use of artificial intelligence in video game production.

The strike has seen thousands of video game actors demanding improved safeguards against AI's impact on their work, particularly concerning voice and motion capture.

This agreement exempts the games developed under it from the strike, enabling actors to continue their work while negotiations are ongoing.